You know that sharp, annoying pain you feel in your lower back? It’s not necessarily something that comes along with age or working in front of the computer all day.
According to specialists in the field of sleep and medicine, it may have something to do with the way you sleep. More exactly, with the surface you sleep on!
Even more, if you already have a bad back, the pain can be aggravated by a mattress that is not designed to support your spine. But how you know which mattress to choose, and if your back ache is indeed the fault of a bad bed?
I did some research and learned the ways a mattress can affect your lower back, but I also learned how to fight these symptoms and how to choose a mattress that’s fit for your needs.
Too Soft or Too Hard Is Not Good
When it comes to your bed, you must find the middle ground. A surface that is too soft will give you back ache because your spine won’t be properly supported, and one that is too hard, will give you back and muscle pain.
The ideal surface feels good when you lay on it, but doesn’t allow the heavy areas of the body (hips, shoulders, knees) sink in too deep. It also doesn’t create pressure points with these areas, as it happens with a hard surface.
Back Support is Your Friend
When I say back support, I am making reference to the inner structure of the mattress. For instance, with spring beds, the back support is given by the coils, while with a memory foam bed, the support is given by the foam core.
If this inner structure is not according to your needs, it doesn’t matter if the surface is perfect for a good night sleep – you won’t get it.
BACK PAIN PIC
Comfort Matters
On the other hand, if your back is well-supported but the mattress doesn’t provide you with comfort, you still didn’t find the winning product. Comfort is important, especially when we consider back pain, so be careful with the type of surface you choose. Don’t go for a product recommended by someone without testing it first!
You can learn more about the perfect combination from here: https://www.trymattress.com/best-mattress-for-back-pain/.
Don’t Get Attached to your Bed
Every mattress needs to be changed after you’ve used it for about eight years (or sooner). So, don’t let the 20-year warranty fool you! Your back may be the one to suffer the most out of this attachment.
If the mattress’s surface starts sagging or if there are lumps and the surface doesn’t feel as comfy as it used to, it’s time to consider a new mattress. The same goes if the surface looks great, but when you lay on the bed, you sink in deeper than usual – this is a clear sign that the inner structure of the mattress has given up on life.
Expensive is Not Necessarily the Best
Yes, shopping for a new mattress can be extremely confusing and salespeople don’t make it any easier! However, you shouldn’t shop in the luxury department because they mainly promote fancy materials that don’t do anything more for your back.
Nowadays you can shop for a perfectly good mattress online, and you can even get an extended trial period. It’s easier, less confusing, and the new products are designed with back pain relief in mind. Mattresses don’t have to be complicated, just comfortable!
